Darvel Improvement Group

Where did it start?

In the year 2000 a group of very active and forward thinking Community Councillors decided to play on the success of Darvel’s Millennium Celebrations. 1st January 2000 saw groups of people gather in Hastings Square to welcome in the New Year. As this event was so successful the Community Council decided to form a group whose purpose was to make the town a more attractive place to live. To that end three groups were formed under the Chairmanship of Reid Ross. Heritage, Environmental and Millennium groups led by Frank Donnelly, Les Pittams and Mike Duffy were created with assistance by Neil McKenna who was employed by EAC as an external funding officer.

Darvel Improvement Group was formed and fully constituted in 2001.

Early Achievements...

Since 2001 the town has seen major improvements, not least with the provision of floral displays along Main Street and Hastings Square. These are all planted and maintained by DIG volunteers. Welcome gardens at the West and East ends of Darvel provide much needed colour and are a prime example of a town proud of its appearance.

DIG managed to acquire funding to have new railings, to replace broken fencing, installed at the “Derval Dam” corner with plaques attached telling the story of the area and how the water source was used to drive the first Madras looms in the town.
Lace production, of course, was the main source of employment for over 125 years. An exhibition of lace production was organised by DIG in the last remaining lace producing factory, Smith & Archibald where a lace panel depicting the battle of Britain was on display along with a number of lace queen dresses. The last working loom was in operation that day and former lace workers were on hand to describe their work in the factories.

The Toll Gate garden in Ranoldcoup Road houses the original town Toll Gates. An official opening ceremony by Provost James Boyd was held by DIG in 2001 with further celebrations held in the Town Hall. The garden continues to be maintained by DIG volunteers.
In 2001 the Heritage Committee unveiled a memorial cairn, in association with the Blair Mayne Association of Northern Ireland, to commemorate the Special Air Service soldiers who were based in Darvel in 1944. These troops, under the command of Lt. Col. Blair “Paddy” Mayne, were housed in Lanfine House and the Town Hall during that time.

Our Latest Project

Fleming Memorial

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...The next decade

Frank Donnelly’s much anticipated museum, showcasing the history of Darvel, was opened in 2015 in Darvel Town Hall. The museum houses photos and memorabilia of the lace industry across the years. The life of Darvel’s most famous son, Sir Alexander Fleming, is featured in the museum. He came from humble beginnings in Lochfield farm to being the world famous micro-biologist whose discovery has saved millions of lives worldwide. We, as a community, are proud of this Darvel man who discovered Penicillin in 1928. Frank has also been involved in planning a new memorial in Hastings Square.

The renovation of the Rose garden in Morton Park was an idea discussed in the first community action plan for Darvel. The planning and sourcing of funding was undertaken by Maureen Ross, another DIG volunteer, with work completed in 2017. Volunteers continue to maintain this beautiful addition to Morton Park.

In 2023 funding allowed us to extend the decorative railings at Morton Park. This provided a safer playing space for children by creating a barrier between the park and Mairs Road.

Daffodil bulbs have been planted in Morton Park providing much needed colour in the Spring.
Now annual activities include the ever popular Easter Egg hunt in Lanfine Estate, Litter Picks, Quiz nights, Outdoor Café days, and of course, our Christmas Fayre.